Serial rapist struck across Britain

A serial rapist who has terrorised women in the North of England and the Midlands might be responsible for a string of attacks throughout Britain.

Up to 25 new victims of the sex attacker, who has been positively linked with at least five crimes in 13 years, have come forward after an appeal on BBC1's Crimewatch UK on Tuesday.

The publicity prompted more than 1,000 calls, at least half of which named possible suspects. Another 25 were from women who thought they may have been victims of the man. Calls from Scotland, Ireland, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Hampshire are among those to be investigated, as well as from West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire - the three counties where the rapist is known to have struck before.